THE BLOUNT MOUNTAIN COAL FIELD. 57 



seams. It does not cover a large extent of country, but 

 holds throughout its extent three very fine seams of coal, 

 besides several smaller ones in a vertical thickness of one 

 hundred and eighty-five feet. 



The only other opening beside the Phillips yet made on 

 the lower seam of this group, is about a mile north of the 

 Phillips bed, and on the opposite side of a high ridge in 

 the S. E. of N. E. of S. 18, T. 12, E. 3 E. This opening was 

 made many years ago, and coal taken out from time to time 

 by many different parties. The opening is locally known as 

 the L<>U-< r Haim' W. The opening was made by sinking a 

 pit in a flat hollow, near the side of a branch, and below 

 water level. 



Many statements, probably exaggerated, were made about 

 the thickness of this seam by the parties who had dug coal 

 here. They generally agreed that "the seam was over 6 feet 

 thick." Others said "the seam was standing on edge, and 

 was more than 6 feet across." These statements were made 

 by men of average intelligence and unquestioned veracity. 



To settle the uncertainties about the size, structure and 

 identity of this seam, it was determined to clear the pit of 

 water if possible, so that the seam could be seen and exam- 

 ined. With the aid of several hands, and after long and 

 persistent labor, this was accomplished. 



The seam was found to occupy a normal position dip 

 6 deg. east, and gave about the following 



SECTION : 



Blue shaly clay and thin coal seams 2 feet 



COAL, solid, face and butt structure 3 feet 4 inches 



Clay, apparently under clay. 



It is not absolutely certain that the clay beneath this coal 

 is under clay, it may be a clay parting in the seam. The 

 inflow of water was too great to admit of testing any deeper. 

 It can only be positively stated that it had the appearance 



of umlrr day. 



